LEADING MEDICINE W INT ER 2020
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Factors That Could Sabotage
YOUR WEIGHT LOSS
Getting ready for baby?
Consider a Birth Plan The Ins and Outs of GI Health YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN WEST HOUSTON/KATY
Getting ready for baby?
Consider a Birth Plan E xpecting parents quickly learn there are many aspects of pregnancy and childbirth that are unpredictable, including the timing of baby’s arrival. But you do have control over what you want your birth experience to be like at the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at West. You can start by preparing a birth plan — this can be your wish list describing your ideal birthing experience. It’s a good idea to prepare a birth plan around 28 weeks, or the beginning of your third trimester of pregnancy. Discuss it with your doctor so they are aware of the choices you have made. Of course, it’s important to realize that not everything can always go according to plan — and childbirth is certainly no exception. That said, here are some issues to consider:
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Freedom of movement. Some women find that changing positions makes the contractions easier to handle. Do you want to use a birthing ball? Discuss options with your health care provider.
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Pain relief. Become informed about your options well before delivery. Decide your preferences and make them known to your childbirth team. Allow for the possibility that you may change your mind during labor.
Expect Personalized Care
Mother and baby receive personalized care in a comfortable setting with state-of-the-art technology, expert physicians and a highly trained staff at the Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at West. Our staff listens to you and works to ensure you have the best experience possible on the day of delivery. To schedule a tour or sign up for a childbirth class, visit houstonmethodist.org/events or call 832.522.4784.
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Atmosphere. Will the labor room be dimly lit? Can music be used to create a soothing atmosphere? Are there any spiritual rituals or cultural requests that should be observed? After delivery do you prefer to room-in or have the option of using the hospital’s nursery? These are some factors that may enhance your experience.
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Delivery plan. Would you like to cut the umbilical cord yourself or have your partner do it? If you have a cesarean section (C-section), who do you want in the delivery room?
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Skin-to-skin contact. In most cases, you’ll have the opportunity to spend some time skin-to-skin with your baby immediately after birth. However, this may not be possible if there’s an urgent concern about the baby’s health. Ask your health care team what their protocol is.
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Breastfeeding. If you want to breastfeed your baby, the nursing staff will be there to support you every step of the way. Our lactation consultants help you navigate breastfeeding issues and provide extra breastfeeding assistance as needed.
Give Your Back a Break
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our back is like a hard-working machine. It gives strength to your movements and supports most of your weight. With all this work to do, it’s no wonder the back is prone to injury and strain. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 80% of adults experience lower Dr. G. Alexander back pain at some point in their lifetimes. West
HOW IT HAPPENS
“Most patients who come in with back pain are older and they generally sit at a desk all day — or maybe they’ve done some sudden heavy lifting,” said Dr. G. Alexander West, a neurosurgeon and medical director of the Houston Methodist Spine Center at West. Conditions, such as arthritis, a bulging disk in the spine, muscle spasms, obesity, osteoporosis and scoliosis can also contribute to back pain. Depending on the source of your back problem, you may experience acute pain (lasting no longer than a few weeks) or chronic pain (lasting for months or years). Most of the time back pain is self-limited but may require certain interventions that can alleviate pain. Surgical evaluation is recommended if there is development of continuous radiating pain or if you experience progressive weakness, numbness and dysfunction.
GETTING RID OF THE PAIN
“Whether it’s a strain or spasm, you can treat most minor back pain at home with a combination of hot and cold compresses, rest and anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen,” West said. “You might be tempted to spend a few days in bed, but that isn’t really going to help. It’s actually better to keep up your back strength by continuing to remain active.” Whether your pain is severe or you are experiencing every day discomfort, a spine specialist can perform an exam to determine the source of the discomfort and prescribe a treatment plan that includes options ranging from acupuncture to physical therapy to injections. In the event these treatments don’t relieve your pain, surgery may be recommended. The goal of all treatment is to help you live as pain-free as possible.
THE BENEFITS OF A NURSE NAVIGATOR AT OUR SPINE CENTER
Claudia Kim, BSN, RN-BC
All patients of Houston Methodist Spine Center at West work with a nurse navigator who helps facilitate their care. “Patients can rest assured that they have a nurse advocating for their needs,” said Claudia Kim, BSN, RN-BC. “I help patients navigate and coordinate care from initial contact to their first visit with a spine specialist.”
Benefits of working with a nurse navigator include: Speaking to a licensed professional immediately over the phone. Being directed to a specific spine specialist based on the symptoms described to the nurse navigator. Seeing a spine specialist within five business days, guaranteed.
Find Relief
With the right help, your chronic or severe back pain can become a distant memory. To schedule an appointment with a spine specialist at Houston Methodist Spine Center at West, visit houstonmethodist.org/spine-west or call 832.522.BACK (2225).
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HIDDEN FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO
WEIGHT GAIN Y
ou’ve tried everything from dieting and calorie counting to exercise boot camp and weight loss apps — but the numbers on the scale just won’t budge. Dr. Laura Choi Could there be something else sabotaging your efforts to lose or maintain weight? Let’s uncover some factors that could be holding you back. Although you have the power to change a few of these factors, some are beyond your control. Either way, finding out why weight loss is challenging can be helpful, especially when coming up with a plan or deciding when to seek help for weight loss.
LACK OF SLEEP
Your health suffers when you’re sleep deprived, and lack of sleep can affect your chances of losing weight, too. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can lead to increased cravings for high-carb foods and junk food. When you’re overtired, you may be more likely to reach for high-calorie beverages or a sugar fix for quick energy. You may also lack the energy and initiative to make healthy food choices. “When you’re tired at the end of your day, you may not feel like going for a walk or exercising. You may also not have the energy to make a healthy meal — choosing fast, convenient food instead, which disrupts efforts to lose weight,” said Dr. Laura Choi, bariatric surgeon and medical director of Bariatric Surgical Services at Houston Methodist West Hospital. √ Take control: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep at night so you can function at your best during the day.
4 LEADING MEDICINE IN WEST HOUSTON/KATY
YO-YO DIETING
Yo-yo dieting (a cycle of losing weight and gaining it back) can take a toll on your health and make it harder to lose weight. You may lose weight rapidly on a fad diet, but you’re not just losing body fat. You lose lean muscle as well, which in turn decreases your metabolism. The problem with yo-yo dieting is that it’s not sustainable. “Once a diet is discontinued and regular eating resumes, the body’s metabolism is lower than before, and any pounds regained consist mostly of fat,” Choi explained. √ Take control: Modify your diet in a way that’s sustainable for the long term. You want to find solutions for managing your weight that will work for the rest of your life, not just dropping pounds for a special event or a few months.
BALANCING GYM TIME WITH MEAL PLANNING TIME
Have you been toiling away at the gym without losing any weight? If this sounds all too familiar, it may make sense to spend more time and energy on meal planning. “What types of food and how much is eaten are the major contributing factors to weight loss,” Choi explained. Exercise is good for your overall health and longevity, but it’s only a small component of weight loss. The majority of weight loss comes from making dietary changes and consuming fewer calories than you can burn in a day. √ Take control: By spending 30 minutes preparing a healthy meal, you can avoid consuming an extra 700-800 calories compared to eating fast food or takeout. When you combine a healthy diet with exercise, it’s a win-win!
AGING
Controlling your weight can be an uphill battle as you age. Even if you’re exercising and eating right, the pounds can still creep up. “Metabolism decreases with age and your body burns fewer calories,” Choi said. In addition, you may lose muscle mass with
age, and the problem is compounded if you’re less active. It all adds up to a recipe for weight gain. √ Take control: Cut back on portion sizes of higher calorie foods and increase portion sizes of lower calorie foods like nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and okra, etc. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day — going for a walk is a great way to start.
MEDICATIONS
Did you know that weight gain is a side effect of certain medications? Some medications taken for depression, inflammation, thyroid disorder or other conditions can make it difficult to maintain or lose weight. These medications may cause you to feel hungrier, burn calories slower or retain extra fluids. It’s important to continue taking your medications as directed by your doctor, but don’t hesitate to ask about alternatives. √ Take control: Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how your medications may be affecting your weight.
GENETIC INFLUENCES
Genes can influence appetite, metabolism, body-fat distribution and more, but genetic influences don’t tell the whole story. Environmental factors including eating habits formed in childhood, family and social connections, ways you cope with stress and other psychological factors can have an even greater impact on your weight. √ Take control: Even if you’ve been overweight for most of your life and struggle to lose weight, you can fight back. It starts with making the decision to get help for losing weight.
START WINNING THE BATTLE TO LOSE WEIGHT If you feel like the deck is stacked against you to lose weight, talk to a health care professional who can help with medical weight management or bariatric surgery. With the right help, you can change your life for the better. The Houston Methodist Weight Management Center at West offers the following weight loss services and programs: S tepLITE is a program for anyone who wants to lose a few pounds and needs help getting started. The program includes a diet plan, weekly check-in and group sessions with licensed professionals. M edical Weight Management is a three-phase weight loss plan that begins with a medically supervised, very low-calorie diet program and progresses to a personalized meal plan to help you maintain weight loss. B ariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve weight-related health problems. Visit houstonmethodist.org/weightmanagement or call 832.667.LOSE (5673) to learn more.
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY INFORMATION SESSION
Join us for a free, in-person bariatric surgery information session. For a list of dates or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/ surgicalweightloss or call 832.667.LOSE (5673).
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Don’t Be
AFRAID TO ASK 5 things you can discuss with your primary care physician
W
hen you’re not feeling well, a primary care physician (PCP) helps you get back on your feet — but that’s not all they do. Your PCP gets to know you, your family and your health history, and they can do a lot more for your health than you may realize. “It’s important to build a good relationship Dr. Gul E Rukh with a PCP you trust so you can make the most Ferdousi of your health care visits,” said Dr. Gul E Rukh Ferdousi, a primary care physician with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in West Houston. Don’t hesitate to ask your PCP for advice about anything related to your health and wellbeing. Here are some examples: Make a plan for losing weight. Your PCP can help you get started with a nutrition plan or weight loss program. Keep in mind, your doctor is not there to judge you if you’ve put on a few pounds. Their goal is to offer advice and help you understand your risks. Find support to quit smoking. If you’ve been unsuccessful quitting before, your PCP can help you with alternative solutions. “Your doctor can help you get the support you need to manage cravings and reduce or stop smoking,” Ferdousi said. Ask about sexual health. It’s important to speak openly about sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunction and other sensitive topics. The conversations you have with your doctor are private, and your doctor will not share information with anyone unless you say it’s OK. Discuss all symptoms. If you have been experiencing a variety of symptoms that you feel may be unrelated, be sure to share all of them with your doctor. While you may think they aren’t significant, the expertise and experience of a PCP will help you see the big picture and how minor symptoms may be connected and affecting your overall health. Get referrals to specialists, if needed. Making an appointment with a specialist can be costly and may involve a long wait. Your PCP can make the process easier by finding the right specialist for you, and in some cases you may be able to avoid a specialist visit if the condition can be treated by your PCP.
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HOUSTON METHODIST COMING TO TOWNE LAKE Houston Methodist is bringing leading medicine to the Cypress community. Conveniently located in Towne Lake, Houston Methodist will offer local residents convenient access to orthopedic and sports medicine services, primary care, obstetrics and gynecology and an array of physician specialists. The physician clinic will offer on-site support services including lab and X-ray. Additionally, Houston Methodist will open a dedicated physical therapy space and Breast Care Center. Houston Methodist at Towne Lake is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020.
Schedule Your Next Checkup
To find a primary care physician or schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/pcg/west or call 832.522.8444.
The Ins and Outs of GI Health
G
astrointestinal (GI) problems often strike when you’re least expecting them — and at the worst possible time. You might have a gas attack at the movies, indigestion at a dinner party or diarrhea while on vacation. Unpleasant GI symptoms are bound to happen from time to time. Dr. Samir “If gastrointestinal distress interferes with Ashfaq your everyday life, there could be something more going on,” said Dr. Samir Ashfaq, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist West Hospital. If you’re struggling with unexplained symptoms, your doctor may recommend seeing a gastroenterologist, a specialist who treats diseases affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. “Usually people see me for one of two reasons,” Ashfaq explained, “because there has been a sudden increase or change in symptoms, or because they have tried all the best options available, and symptoms persist.”
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Gastrointestinal issues can be difficult to diagnose and treat, so it’s important to listen to your body and talk about your symptoms with a doctor. “The first step in figuring out what is going on is to discuss medical and family history, along with the intensity of the symptoms,” Ashfaq said. “From there, we will pursue diagnosis and treatment according to the individual’s unique case.” Gastrointestinal disorders fall into two major categories: Structural GI disorders happen when there’s a structural problem with the internal organs. Conditions that fall in this category include inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, polyps, diverticular disease and colon cancer. Developing good bowel habits can help, but sometimes surgery is necessary. Functional GI disorders occur when the GI tract looks normal, but isn’t functioning as it should, making it harder to pinpoint the cause of persistent and recurrent symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation are examples of functional disorders. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medicines and other therapies to keep the digestive system in balance.
TRUST YOUR GUT — AND LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR You know your digestive system better than anyone, and you may have the best insight (or at least a gut feeling) about what’s going on. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to see your doctor or a gastroenterologist:
Finding a Solution
At Houston Methodist West Hospital, our doctors work with you to solve the mystery of gastrointestinal problems. Call 832.522.8560 to schedule an appointment or visit houstonmethodist.org/gi-west for more information.
Bloating or excessive gas or belching Changes in bowel habits Chronic diarrhea Difficulty controlling bowel movement urges Heartburn Loss of appetite Rectal bleeding Unexplained weight loss Vomiting Abdominal pain can mean any number of things — from constipation to more serious conditions like appendicitis or diverticulitis. Call your doctor right away when abdominal pain is severe, getting worse or recurring, or accompanied by dizziness, high fever or shortness of breath. Better than waiting for symptoms to occur is to see your doctor regularly and get your recommended screenings, such as a colonoscopy. “The goal is always to be preventive,” Ashfaq reminded. “What we catch earlier, we can treat more easily and hopefully prevent serious problems from developing.”
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WE’ VE MADE ACCESSING US EASIER THAN EVER We know a busy lifestyle can make it challenging to find time to get health care. In addition to scheduling an appointment online or by calling one of our agents, we offer a variety of ways to get care from us, including:
Same-Day Primary Care
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We offer same-day sick visits for conditions like the flu, sinus infections, pink eye and more.
We’ve partnered with Next Level Urgent Care for urgent care services after hours and on weekends.
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See our providers for non-emergency, urgent care needs via video visit — 24/7, even on holidays.
Schedule an imaging appointment online, including a mammogram, at a time and location convenient for you.
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Visit houstonmethodist.org/care-options for all the ways you can get care with us.
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